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A recent video of Vu Van Ben's enthusiastic greetings at Tran Nhan Tong Primary School has amassed hundreds of thousands of interactions.
It shows him warmly shaking hands, high-fiving and even playfully lifting children into the air.
He says only the spotlight is new while he has been doing it for eight years.
"It's a simple gesture born from love."
Witnessing how adults can sometimes treat children unfairly, he resolved to ensure each student felt valued and respected.
He believes such acts of kindness help shape students' character and guide them toward a promising future.
Ben graduated in Primary School Education from the Hanoi National University of Education in 2001.
During his teaching career he has consistently explored strategies to educate effectively with minimal pressure, eventually recognizing that genuine affection and appreciation resonate most with students.
In the beginning he only greeted students in his own class, but after becoming vice principal of Loc An Primary School in 2017, he began greeting everyone at the gate.
Vu Van Ben greets his students at the school gate every morning. Video provided to VnExpress from parents
Even after moving on to Tran Nhan Tong Primary, which has 1,300 students, Ben continued his routine.
"People joked I had a few screws loose," he says about reactions to his daily habit.
Each student has their preferred greeting: some opt for handshakes, others for high-fives and some enjoy a joyful spin or being lifted in the air.
Remembering their favorite greeting is crucial "or else they sulk," he says.
Maintaining this routine requires meticulous planning.
Ben's day begins at 4:40 a.m. with preparing breakfast for his family, exercising, completing chores, and arriving at school by 6:15 a.m. with his own children.
His efforts have profoundly impacted the school community.
Students frequently visit his office during recess, a room he keeps tidy so that children can play comfortably on the floor.
He emphasizes safety by insisting that students should enter his office at least two at a time.
His explanation for this? "Not everyone outside is like me, so safety first."
Parents deeply appreciate Ben's dedication.
Le Thi Minh Phuong, whose child attends the school, says she initially did not think much about him standing at the gate every day, but now it deeply impresses her.
"Parents genuinely respect him. I've even saved videos of him greeting students to show my kids as an example."
For Ben, the recognition and support from parents and students represent the ultimate reward.
"As a teacher, this is all we ever hope for."
